Level 5 Diploma in Industrial Hygiene and Exposure Control

IH501: Occupational Exposure Assessment and Data Interpretation

Unit description

This unit develops learners' ability to evaluate occupational exposure risks and interpret monitoring information to support informed workplace health decisions.

Key topics

• Principles and stages of occupational exposure assessment

• Personal and area exposure monitoring strategies

• Interpretation of exposure monitoring data

• Comparison of results with applicable occupational exposure criteria

• Identification of exposure patterns and potential overexposure

• Preparation of technical exposure assessment reports

IH502: Hazardous Substance Monitoring and Exposure Limits

Unit description

This unit examines methods for monitoring hazardous substances in the workplace and evaluating exposure in relation to relevant occupational exposure limits.

Key topics

• Classification and routes of exposure to hazardous substances

• Personal air sampling and workplace monitoring methods

• Sampling equipment, calibration and quality assurance

• Occupational exposure limits and their application

• Interpretation of monitoring results and exposure exceedances

• Recommendations for reducing chemical exposure

IH503: Industrial Ventilation and Engineering Control Strategies

Unit description

This unit focuses on the selection, application and evaluation of engineering controls to reduce workers' exposure to airborne contaminants and other industrial health hazards.

Key topics

• Principles of industrial ventilation

• Local exhaust and general dilution ventilation

• Capture hoods, ductwork and air filtration systems

• Basic ventilation performance evaluation

• Engineering controls for dust, fumes, vapours and gases

• Inspection, maintenance and effectiveness of control systems

IH504: Occupational Noise Assessment and Hearing Conservation

Unit description

This unit develops learners' understanding of occupational noise assessment and the management of noise-induced hearing risks in industrial and other workplace environments.

Key topics

• Sources and characteristics of occupational noise

• Noise measurement instruments and assessment methods

• Personal noise exposure and interpretation of results

• Health effects of excessive noise exposure

• Hearing conservation programmes and audiometric surveillance

• Noise reduction, engineering controls and hearing protection

IH505: Thermal Stress and Ergonomic Risk Management

Unit description

This unit examines occupational risks arising from thermal environments and ergonomic factors, enabling learners to recommend measures that protect workers from heat stress, cold stress and work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Key topics

• Assessment of hot and cold working environments

• Heat stress, dehydration and heat-related illness

• Thermal risk assessment and environmental monitoring

• Ergonomic assessment of tasks, equipment and workstations

• Manual handling, repetitive movements and awkward postures

• Selection and evaluation of thermal and ergonomic control measures

IH506: Asbestos, Hazardous Fibres and Occupational Health Risk Management

Unit description

This unit develops learners' understanding of asbestos and other hazardous fibres, their potential health effects, and the management measures required to prevent occupational exposure.

Key topics

• Types, sources and characteristics of asbestos and other fibres

• Occupational exposure routes and associated health effects

• Identification of materials that may contain asbestos

• Fibre exposure assessment and monitoring principles

• Risk assessment, containment and exposure prevention

• Legal compliance, specialist intervention and occupational health risk management

Successful learners can develop the ability to:

• Analyse workplace exposure information and identify potential health risks.

• Interpret monitoring results and evaluate compliance with relevant exposure criteria.

• Recommend engineering solutions to reduce occupational exposure.

• Improve workplace noise, thermal and ergonomic risk controls.

• Support the management of asbestos and hazardous fibre risks.

• Prepare evidence-based occupational hygiene reports and recommendations.

• Progress towards further specialist study or occupational health responsibilities.

This qualification is suitable for:

• HSE officers and safety professionals seeking specialist development.

• Occupational hygiene and occupational health practitioners.

• Industrial safety supervisors and managers.

• Professionals involved in workplace exposure monitoring.

• Manufacturing, construction, engineering and process-industry personnel.

• Practitioners responsible for hazardous substance control and workplace health risk management.

Learners may progress towards relevant advanced qualifications or further professional development in:

• Occupational hygiene and exposure science.

• Industrial hygiene and occupational health risk management.

• Occupational health and safety management.

• Environmental and workplace exposure assessment.

• Specialist training in hazardous substances, ventilation, noise or asbestos risk management.

Progression will depend on the requirements of the receiving qualification or professional body.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Learners may progress towards relevant advanced qualifications or further professional development in:

• Occupational hygiene and exposure science.

• Industrial hygiene and occupational health risk management.

• Occupational health and safety management.

• Environmental and workplace exposure assessment.

• Specialist training in hazardous substances, ventilation, noise or asbestos risk management.

Progression will depend on the requirements of the receiving qualification or professional body.